4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate stands out as a key synthetic chemical, used across several industries for its distinct scent profile and solvent properties. Most often, perfumery and fragrance makers turn to this compound for its woody, floral aroma and ability to act as a fixative, letting scents last longer on the skin. Its presence in personal care, cleaning, and even some plastic and rubber manufacturing traces back to how its structure influences both reactivity and olfactory impact. Derived by acetylating a substituted cyclohexanol, this chemical brings a unique combination of molecular weight, volatility, and compatibility to formulas. Its molecular formula reads as C12H22O2, and the compound belongs to esters, reflecting its acetate group bonded to a cyclohexyl ring substituted with a tert-butyl group.
As a solid or viscous liquid at room temperature, 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate appears white to off-white in color, often supplied as flakes, powders, crystals, or sometimes as crystalline pearls to suit different processing lines. Density hovers around 0.96 g/cm³. Melting points cluster near 28 °C, so storage can shift the material between solid and liquid states with modest changes in warehouse temperature. The molecular weight sits at 198.3 g/mol, defining how it interacts with other raw materials in complex formulations. This ester dissolves sparingly in water but blends well with organic solvents, due to its hydrocarbon-rich structure and acetate group. Its odor threshold and persistence led the fragrance industry to pick it as a reliable base note.
4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate has a two-part backbone. The cyclohexyl ring gives rigidity and bulk, while the tert-butyl substitution increases steric hindrance around the acetate function. This structure means the compound doesn’t easily undergo hydrolysis or oxidation in neutral conditions, a trait many manufacturers value for shelf life and stable product performance. In technical documentation, suppliers outline a purity range above 96%, low acidity, and limited moisture content, aiming to prevent unwanted reactions with other formulation ingredients.
Suppliers deliver this raw material in several forms to match process needs. Flakes and powder versions ease dispersion into dry blends, while liquid and low-melting solid forms suit direct pumping or mixing for liquid formulations or high-volume lines. Pearls and crystals offer controlled particle size, helping avoid dust hazards in large-scale batches. Each form keeps the same core chemical property, as shifts occur only in particle shape and handling, not structure or purity.
Most fragrance suppliers rely on 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate in perfume and body care as a stable, non-reactive base note. Its gentle scent pairs well with floral, fruity, or woody blends. Cleaning product manufacturers take advantage of its pleasant aroma and mild solvency by using it in scented detergents or air fresheners. I’ve seen this material pop up in discussions on cosmetic formulator forums, where workers prize its safety record paired with olfactory strength.
Global supply chains use Harmonized System (HS) code 291539 for this ester, grouping it with other acetic acid derivatives. Secure, dry, and temperature-controlled storage stays critical, since solidification or melting in drums can impact production flow. Although 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate carries a low flammability risk, facilities still keep proper labeling and spill protocols in place. Standard protective gloves and goggles prevent skin or eye contact during weighing, blending, or packaging. Transport agencies treat it as a low-hazard chemical, with only basic safety data required.
Toxicity studies so far indicate 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate brings low acute risk. In my own work, material safety data sheets mention skin or eye irritation from prolonged exposure, but no evidence of chronic harm at levels handled in modern labs or factories. Inhalation risk stays low when good ventilation is in place. As with any chemical, spills or releases can disrupt sewage systems or local waterways, so workers track containment and clean-up procedures. Regulatory agencies in the US and EU classify the compound as safe for intended use in fragrances, and recent environmental data suggest no persistence or strong bioaccumulation.
Out in the field, facilities using 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate run into common challenges familiar in the world of specialty chemicals: keeping batch consistency, avoiding moisture contamination, and managing transitions between states when the weather swings. Handling powdered or flaked versions means more dust control infrastructure compared to crystalline pearls or liquid stocks. Both large and small manufacturers see the value in working closely with trusted suppliers who back every delivery with lab analysis. Investing in workforce training and site safety protocols keeps injury rates at zero and prevents accidental releases known to spark regulatory headaches.
As sustainability hits the agenda for chemical producers, some research teams push for bio-based or renewable sources for esterification processes. These trials haven’t yielded a drop-in replacement with the same profile, but increased focus on green chemistry could eventually break the current dependence on petroleum-derived feedstocks in this compound’s synthesis. Users who switch to closed-system production lines, automate material transfer, and track emissions stay set for future compliance. In fast-moving sectors like cosmetics or fragrance, innovation around acetate structures can set the next trend, but for now, 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate holds its spot as a dependable, well-documented material.
